Stand in solidarity to protect hard won peace - G L

The need of the hour is for the public to understand clearly the challenges facing the nation at international level and to stand in solidarity with the government to protect the hard won victory which has enabled the nation to realise its full potential, External Affairs Minister Professor G. L. Peiris said.

He was addressing a series of public meetings in the Tissamaharama and Tangalle areas recently.

These meetings were held to form branch organisations of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party. Prof. Peiris expressed appreciation of the exceptional enthusiasm which the membership showed and their keenness to participate actively in party work as office bearers of these societies.

The minister said this is exceedingly timely, in view of current developments at international level. In face to face presentations at over 20 meetings, the minister asked whether anyone could reasonably believe that the most serious issues in the world have arisen in Sri Lanka. What, then, he queried, is the reason for this relentless pursuit of the country, with Sri Lanka being put on the agenda of the Human Rights Council twice a year.

"There is a patent lack of both objectivity and proportionality, "he said.

"The country's legitimate achievements in a short period, which are all too evident, had been acknowledged only belatedly, and even then as a result of strong pressure by other countries which were disappointed with the lack of a balanced approach, he said.

"The minister asked whether anyone could be pleased with the consequences of the resolution. Far from bringing about an atmosphere of goodwill and partnership, the resolution had resulted in a marked degree of polarization, with strong dissension and even violence occurring outside the shores of Sri Lanka. He asked whether the developments of the last month could, by any rational yardstick, be considered to have served Sri Lanka's national interest by facilitating the resolution of problems.

"It is much to be regretted that marked pressure is preventing the case by case consideration of national issues on their merits," Prof. Peiris said.

He concluded that the government is determined to protect, in full measure, the national interest of our country with the active support and understanding of our people.